Release Detail

February 2, 2004 - Kerry Tops All Dems And Leads Bush By 8 Points,
Nationwide Poll By Quinnipiac University Finds;
President's Approval Below 50 Percent For First Time

In a nationwide survey, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry now leads President George W.
Bush 51 - 43 percent according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Looking
at the Democratic primary, the Kerry juggernaut has rolled up 42 percent, 30 points higher
than any other Presidential primary contender.

American voters give President Bush a 48 - 45 percent approval, the first time he
has dropped below 50 percent. While Kerry is the only Democrat ahead of Bush, all
Democratic contenders have gained ground on the President.

Kerry had 30 percent of Democratic primary voters in a pre-New Hampshire
January 26 national poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.

In this latest survey, Kerry gets 42 percent of Democrats to Howard Dean's 11
percent, followed by North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and former Gen. Wesley Clark
with 10 percent each and Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman with 6 percent. No other
candidate tops 5 percent, with 14 percent undecided.

"Talk about bounce. Sen. Kerry's on a trampoline that has him soaring past the
other Democrats and even past President Bush. What bounces up, can bounce down and
the question is whether Kerry can stay on up and turn some of those Republican red states
into Democratic blue in November," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac
University Polling Institute.

Looking at some issues which will play out in the Presidential campaign:

54 percent of American voters say the federal budget deficit is a "very serious"
problem, while 34 percent call it "somewhat serious;"

Voters say 52 - 42 percent that going to war in Iraq was the right thing to do;

67 - 21 percent voters say the economy will matter more than Iraq in deciding how
they vote;

Voters say 52 - 40 percent a Democrat will do a better job on the economy than
President Bush;

Voters split 47 - 45 percent on whether Bush or a Democrat will do better job on Iraq.

"Trouble for President Bush: Almost every American is worried about the federal
deficit. Trouble for the Democrats: Most Americans disapprove of any form of recognition
for same-sex couples," Carroll said.

Only 2 percent of Democrats admire Bush and 18 percent are "satisfied" with him,
but 51 percent are "dissatisfied" and 26 percent are "angry" with the President.

From January 28 - 31, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,219 registered voters
nationwide, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent. The survey includes 420
Democrats with a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and
nationwide as a public service a d for research.

For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling
his job as President?

TREND: Now I'm going to name seven Democrats running for president this year.
After I read all seven names, tell me which one you would most like to see
the Democrats nominate for president this year. Here are the choices...
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry,
North Carolina Senator John Edwards, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean,
the Reverend Al Sharpton, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich or retired
General Wesley Clark?

2. Now I'm going to name seven Democrats running for president this year.
After I read all seven names, tell me which one you would most like to see
the Democrats nominate for president this year. Here are the choices...
Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry,
North Carolina Senator John Edwards, former Vermont Governor Howard Dean,
the Reverend Al Sharpton, Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich or retired
General Wesley Clark?

20. As you may know on Tuesday, March second, a number of states, including
New York and California, will hold Democratic primaries for president on what
is known as Super Tuesday. Do you think that Super Tuesday will be important
to decide the nomination, or do you think the contest will have already been
decided before March second?

21. (If Democrat)When the Democratic party nominates its Presidential candidate,
which quality do you think should be more important - the candidate's ability to
defeat George W. Bush or the candidate's views on the issues?